First Grade Learning Materials
It is essential that a first grade teacher have plenty of materials on hand for daily use in the classroom. First graders are active learners who like to explore concepts through hands on activities with manipulatives that they can easily access. Effective instruction will include frequent use of learning materials that help students count, learn to read and increase vocabulary and sight word knowledge. Materials can be costly, but there are less expensive options available as well as creative ways that teachers can help each other and construct their own supplies.
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Significance
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The first grade classroom should have a student friendly environment so kids feel comfortable and free to explore. When children are actively engaged, they will be more likely to retain what they learn than when the teacher lectures to them. First graders are still learning through conversation, music, activity and hands on projects. They are more enthusiastic about school if they have access to materials that make learning fun.
Function
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First grade learning materials provide more than just a time to have fun. Coloring, painting and cutting can all be used as opportunities to supplement and reinforce instruction. For example, students can draw and color letters of the alphabet on plain paper, then find pictures in magazines of objects that begin or end with the targeted letter and glue them to the paper. A child learns beginning literacy skills, improving picture vocabulary and motor skills with this single activity.
Learning materials in first grade also function as assessment tools for the teacher. They are able to informally observe a child using these materials for the purpose of showing mastery of a skill. For example, if a child is working at a learning center placing plastic cubes on a 10 frame, the teacher can see first hand if the student understands one to one counting before they formally assess with a test.
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Types
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First graders need to be exposed to a variety of learning materials. Reading and math are usually the subjects stressed so teachers need to be sure their classrooms have sufficient items for students to use during instruction or in independent learning centers. Among these items are plastic cubes and shapes, magnetic letter tiles, chart paper with lines, sticky notes, mini dry erase boards, construction paper, scissors, glue sticks and colors.
Benefits
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Quality first grade learning materials have short and long term benefits. The immediate advantage is that children get to actively participate in games or projects that help them practice and reinforce the skills necessary to become a successful student. A positive outlook on school and education in general, is the long term benefit. If children like to learn in first grade, they will hopefully continue to have this attitude the next year and throughout school.
Considerations
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Procuring materials can be problematic. Many items can be provided by parents who buy classroom supplies at the start of each new school year. Funding may be an issue in some schools. Teachers can pool their resources or search discount stores for many of these materials. They also should not hesitate to send a letter home mid-year, asking for donations. Teachers should ask for the more inexpensive items that will be easier for parents to find.
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